The health and quality of life of Canadian seniors rates an overall grade of B, the National Advisory Council on Aging said Friday.
The group released its 2006 report to Health Minister Tony Clement. The report reviews data and trends in areas affecting seniors' health and well-being since the last such report card in 2001.
"The overall picture in this report is positive: seniors are highly satisfied with the health care they receive," Clement said in a letter acknowledging the report.
"This report is a great tool that will help us further understand current and emerging seniors' health issues."
The report's authors analyzed national data for more than 4.2 million Canadians aged 65 and older. Most of those surveyed live in households — as opposed to institutions — as do 93 per cent of seniors overall, and 66 per cent of those over the age of 85. By largely excluding institutionalized seniors, the survey focused on those in better health.
Compared with 2001, a higher percentage of seniors rated their health as good, very good or excellent. But there was no improvement in levels of physical activity, and the prevalence of some chronic diseases has increased. Health Status earned a grade of B-.
The health-care system received the lowest grade in the report, a C+. The health-care system is serving the majority of seniors well in terms of access and quality of care, but a lack of geriatricians, long average waits for specialized care, and high levels of out-of-pocket spending lowered the grade.
Economically, the seniors surveyed fared well, with a grade of B. The average and median incomes have improved since the last report card and a smaller percentage of seniors have to rely substantially on the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Old Age Security.
The rate of mortgage-free home ownership is higher among seniors compared with other age groups, the report said. More senior women are also living mortgage-free since the last report. It remains important to increase funding for affordable housing units and public transit, the report said.
Fewer seniors indicated they were forced into early retirement because of mandatory retirement policies, but the issue remains a concern, according to the report.
Training and flexible work arrangements for seniors who wish to keep working is another priority, the researchers said. Fewer seniors reported formal volunteering compared to 2001.
The council said it will continue to monitor the health and quality of life of Canada's seniors.
Earlier this week, Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus, or CARP, said it will press politicians for health-care reform on issues including wait times, drug benefits and family caregivers.
Related
External Links
- Seniors in Canada 2006 Report Canada, National Advisory Council on Aging
- Message from Health Minister Tony Clement on seniors' report card
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